The Optimistic Musings of a Pessimist

On My Shelf: Books I Read in June 2025

All in all, June was a great reading month — from wartime epics to thrillers to cynical memoirs to finishing up an especially long book (the Bible). While I’m expecting things to slow down…

Reading
Jul, 07, 2025
45 Comments

Happy Things Friday: 4 July

It’s the 4th of July!

For obvious reasons, this holiday isn’t exactly top of mind for me as a Canadian, but I’m sending warm wishes to my friends and family south of the border.

It’s been…

What Smells Like Fresh Grass and Tastes Like Corn on the Cob? Summer Mode

In addition to celebrating Canada Day, today marks the official start of summer in our household — Indy wrapped up his final day of school yesterday (Belle finished last Thursday) which means we’re now…

Favourite Things, Joy, Summer Celebrations
Jul, 01, 2025
31 Comments

A Lucrative Plot Twist

Who knew reading could be so financially rewarding?

Last week, while flipping through a book (which, incidentally, ended up in my DNF pile), I found a crisp $5 bill was tucked neatly between the pages….

Money, Random, Reading
Jun, 30, 2025
45 Comments

Happy Things Friday: 27 June

It was a hot, busy(ish) week. My Oura ring reported a wonky HRV and elevated stress signals. Nothing particularly difficult happened, though Oura also kindly reminded me I’m in my luteal phase. Harumph. I…